UM spring notebook: Shane Larkin could be good as gone, but replacement may be on way

A dozen notes on everything UM:
….I’m told that Hurricanes point guard Shane Larkin is “torn” regarding his decision whether to enter the NBA Draft or return for his junior season. But, according to confidants, Larkin is almost certain to enter the draft by Sunday’s midnight deadline unless something transpires over the next few days to change his mind. Apparently Larkin would like to return, but feels going pro is a no-brainer from a business standpoint. That decision was solidified after Oklahoma State’s Marcus Smart announced he will remain in school which, according to most analysts, makes Larkin the third-rated point guard in June’s draft if he skips out on his final two seasons. By the way, I’m told Larkin may hold off announcing his decision until Sunday.Shane Larkin may be headed to the NBA by Sunday.

….Bet on Kansas State transfer Angel Rodriguez ending up in a UM uniform. Rodriguez, a second-team All-Big 12 point guard who played high school basketball in Miami, announced on Monday that he is leaving Kansas State in order to be closer to his family, which lives in Puerto Rico. Although Rodriguez’s announcement came Monday, I’m told he’s already had representatives in contact with UM. One insider told me that Rodriguez will ask the NCAA to waive the one-year transfer rule because of family hardship. That would work out very nicely for UM, especially if Larkin leaves. But whether Rodriguez is eligible for the 2013-14 season or 2014-15, the Hurricanes are very interested.

…In case you didn’t notice, UM lefty Bryan Radziewski is having a phenomenal season on the mound. The junior is second in the ACC with a 1.13 ERA and has allowed only four extra-base hits — no homers — in 47.2 innings. Opposing hitters are batting .148 against Radziewski, best among ACC starters. What’s most amazing is that Radziewski is coming off arm surgery that cut his 2012 season short.

…Wednesday is a big day for UM basketball. Demetrius Henry, a 6-foot-9 center/forward from Brandon who is ranked by Rivals as the nation’s No. 100 prospect, will announce where he will attend school next season. Reports say that Henry will chose between UM, South Carolina and USF although it appears UM and South Carolina are the favorites. If Henry signs with Miami, he could immediately replace Kenny Kadji in the starting lineup.

….Another big announcement is expected Friday when Plantation-American Heritage running back Sony Michel, ranked by ESPN as the nation’s 16th-best overall prospect for 2014, will pick between Miami, FSU, Florida, Notre Dame and Georgia. The Hurricanes have one big advantage on their side — Michel’s high school coach is former UM standout Michael Rumph.

….Rodriguez isn’t the only transfer UM basketball is pursuing. Among others, I hear the Hurricanes are interested in is Tarik Black, who started 60 games during the past three seasons at Memphis. Because Black is graduating this spring, he would not have to sit out a season.

….Following his sophomore season in 2011, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. ranked UM safety Ray Ray Armstrong as the 18th-best prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft. That was as good as things got for Armstrong, whom virtually no one I’ve spoken to expects will be drafted this weekend. When it comes to the biggest UM busts of the last decade or so, Armstrong makes my top three along with Kyle Wright and Willie Williams.

….Another UM baseball note: The Hurricanes are 6-2 in their last eight games and have allowed only 15 runs (seven in a 7-2 loss to Maryland) during that span. Most importantly, UM has won its last two ACC series and faces two of the conference’s worst teams — Boston College and Wake Forest — during the next two weekends. The weekend rotation of Radziewski, Chris Diaz (3-3, 1.70 ERA) and Andrew Suarez, named ACC Pitcher of the Week following his complete-game shutout of Clemson on Sunday may be the best in the ACC with the exception of No. 1 North Carolina. With Eric Nedeljkovic (9 saves, 0.87 ERA) nailing down the closer role, UM may be setting itself up for a big finish.

….Al Golden will be at Boca Raton’s City Fish Market on Friday as part of his spring tour. Registration starts at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon and program at 11:30 a.m. Pre-RSVP Hurricane Club members are $50 each and non-Hurricane Club members are $75. The restaurant is located at 7940 Glades Road. For more info, call the Hurricane Club at 305-284-6699.

….Speaking of Golden, his 2014 recruiting class has gotten off to a very nice start. Still a long ways to go but ESPN and Rivals ranks UM’s class (six commitments and counting) at No. 8 nationally. By the way, five of the six commitments are from south Florida. Golden signed only four south Florida players to his 2013 class in February.

….Not sure of the particulars that led to the arrest and indefinite suspension last Friday of UM linebacker Gabe Terry. But are we still in a place and time where a bag of weed can ruin your life?

….UM announced Tuesday morning that soccer coach Tom Anagnost has been fired.